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Newcastle have signed Scotland internationals Scott Lawson and Phil Godman and lock Fraser McKenzie for next season.

Last Updated: 22/04/13 9:07am

Phil Godman: One of three new signings for Newcastle

Hooker Lawson joins from London Irish, fly-half Godman from London Scottish and McKenzie will switch from Sale Sharks.

Newcastle are hot favourites to win promotion to the Aviva Premiership in the Championship play-offs.

Falcons boss Dean Richards said: "We have recruited three top quality players as we continue to build a strong squad for next season.

"Scott and Phil will bring considerable experience to the club to complement our current crop of youngsters, and Fraser is a fantastic signing, who will add firepower to the pack."

Excited

Lawson, who played for Glasgow and Gloucester before switching to Irish, told the Newcastle website: "I am really excited at the prospect of moving to the North East and playing for Newcastle Falcons, a club that has big plans.

"Dean Richards explained the club's vision to me before I signed, and looking at the coaching set-up which includes Graham Steadman, who I know from my days in the Scotland fold, I cannot wait to get started.

"I will be travelling up to watch the play-offs when they begin, so it will be nice to get a feel for the place."

Godman is returning for a second spell at Kingston Park, having played for them between 2002 and 2004, before leaving for Edinburgh.

"From my time with Newcastle I understand the passion for rugby throughout the region," said Godman.

McKenzie, 25, has played for Scotland at U19, U20 and 'A' level. He said: "There are exciting times ahead for Newcastle and I want to be a part of it.

"Dean's reputation speaks for itself, and the fact that he and John Wells are at the club is a big pull for me as I feel they can make me a better player."